Wrist Brace with Enhanced Lacing

ABSTRACT

The present wrist brace includes an advantageous lacing configuration that provides a cast-like compression on a patient&#39;s forearm, wrist, and hand. Pulling the lacing mechanism equilibrates lace tension along the length of the wrist brace in a way that applies consistent compression to the patient&#39;s forearm and wrist.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

This application hereby claims the benefit of pending U.S. PatentApplication No. 62/257,933 for a Wrist Brace with Enhanced Lacing (filedNov. 20, 2015) and pending U.S. Patent Application No. 62/400,343 for aWrist Brace with Enhanced Lacing (filed Sep. 27, 2016), each of which ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a wrist brace for immobilizing andprotecting a patient's forearm, wrist, and hand.

BACKGROUND

Immobilizing a patient's forearm, wrist, and hand can promote healing ofbone fractures and soft-tissue injuries (e.g., sprains), and so wristbraces and supports are often used for this purpose. Conventional wristbraces are designed to fit the typical patient with somewhatfrustoconical forearms, whereby the arm tapers from the elbow to thewrist (i.e., narrower near the wrist and wider near the elbow). Forpatients with arm shapes that deviate from standard—especially obesepatients or patients with muscular forearms—conventional wrist bracescan provide a poor fit. If a patient with non-standard forearms tries tomanipulate a conventional wrist brace to apply uniform pressure to thepatient's forearm and wrist, straps for securing the wrist brace canwrap helically along—rather than circumferentially around—the patient'sforearm, rendering ineffective the mechanism for securing the wristbrace to the patient. For example, hook-and-loop fasteners can becomemisaligned and thus ineffectual.

SUMMARY

The present wrist brace includes an advantageous lacing configurationthat provides a cast-like compression on a patient's forearm, wrist, andhand to restrict flexion, extension, and lateral movement of the wristjoint. By pulling an improved lacing mechanism, tension in a laceequilibrates along the length of the wrist brace in a way that appliesconsistent compression to the patient's forearm and wrist.

Exemplary wrist braces (e.g., wrist-brace splints) include a supportsleeve (e.g., a U-shaped support sleeve) and a connecting panel (e.g., astretchable radius panel or a stretchable ulnar panel) that togetherform a closed wrist-brace sleeve, which is securely positioned around apatient's forearm. A tensioning strap, which extends from the supportsleeve, is positioned between a patient's thumb and forefinger and isreleasably secured to the closed wrist-brace sleeve. A lace is threadedthrough openings (e.g., eyelets) or other lace-redirection mechanismspositioned along the edges of the support sleeve and on a lacing closuretab. Regardless of the shape and girth of the patient's forearm, pullingthe lacing closure tab circumferentially around the closed wrist-bracesleeve and thereupon releasably securing the lacing closure tab to theclosed wrist-brace sleeve achieves a cast-like compression of the wristbrace to the patient's forearm and wrist.

In an exemplary wrist-brace embodiment, the wrist brace includes aU-shaped support sleeve having a dorsal section, a palmar section, andan ulnar section positioned between the dorsal section and the palmarsection. The U-shaped support sleeve may be formed from flexible,low-stretch material to help stabilize the patient's forearm, wrist, andhand. Dorsal lace-redirection mechanisms (e.g., dorsal eyelets) arepositioned at or near the U-shaped support sleeve's dorsal section, andpalmar lace-redirection mechanisms (e.g., palmar eyelets) are positionedat or near the U-shaped support sleeve's palmar section. A radius panel,which is typically stretchable and/or elastic, is secured to theU-shaped support sleeve's dorsal section and the U-shaped supportsleeve's palmar section so that together the U-shaped support sleeve andthe radius panel form a closed wrist-brace sleeve. The wrist bracefurther includes at least one lacing closure tab having one or moreclosure-tab lace-redirection mechanisms (e.g., closure-tab eyelets). Alace, which has a first end fixed to the U-shaped support sleeve nearerthe U-shaped support sleeve's proximal end and a second end fixed to theU-shaped support sleeve nearer the U-shaped support sleeve's distal end,is freely threaded though the respective dorsal lace-redirectionmechanisms, palmar lace-redirection mechanisms, and closure-tablace-redirection mechanisms. This exemplary wrist-brace may include anoblique palmar-tensioning strap that extends from the distal end of theU-shaped support sleeve's palmar section. The oblique palmar-tensioningstrap is positioned between a patient's thumb and forefinger and isreleasably affixed to the U-shaped support sleeve when the wrist braceis secured to the patient's wrist and forearm.

In another exemplary wrist-brace embodiment, the wrist brace includes aU-shaped support sleeve having a dorsal section, a palmar section, and aradius section positioned between the dorsal section and the palmarsection. The U-shaped support sleeve may be formed from flexible,low-stretch material to help stabilize the patient's forearm, wrist, andhand. Dorsal lace-redirection mechanisms (e.g., dorsal eyelets) arepositioned at or near the U-shaped support sleeve's dorsal section, andpalmar lace-redirection mechanisms (e.g., palmar eyelets) are positionedat or near the U-shaped support sleeve's palmar section. An ulnar panel,which is typically stretchable and/or elastic, is secured to theU-shaped support sleeve's dorsal section and the U-shaped supportsleeve's palmar section so that together the U-shaped support sleeve andthe ulnar panel form a closed wrist-brace sleeve. The wrist bracefurther includes at least one lacing closure tab having one or moreclosure-tab lace-redirection mechanisms (e.g., closure-tab eyelets). Alace, which has a first end fixed to the U-shaped support sleeve nearerthe U-shaped support sleeve's proximal end and a second end fixed to theU-shaped support sleeve nearer the U-shaped support sleeve's distal end,is freely threaded though the respective dorsal lace-redirectionmechanisms, palmar lace-redirection mechanisms, and closure-tablace-redirection mechanisms. This exemplary wrist-brace may include athumb-tensioning strap that extends from the distal end of the U-shapedsupport sleeve's radius section. The thumb-tensioning strap ispositioned between a patient's thumb and forefinger, wrapped around thepatient's thumb, and then securely and releasably affixed to theU-shaped support sleeve when the wrist brace is secured to the patient'swrist and forearm.

The foregoing illustrative summary, as well as other exemplaryobjectives and/or advantages of the invention, and the manner in whichthe same are accomplished, are further explained within the followingdetailed description and its accompanying drawings and photographs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-4 are perspective views of an exemplary wrist-brace embodimenthaving an advantageous lacing configuration.

FIGS. 5-6 are perspective views of another exemplary wrist-braceembodiment having an advantageous lacing configuration.

FIGS. 7-10 are perspective views of yet another exemplary wrist-braceembodiment having an advantageous lacing configuration.

FIGS. 11-12 are perspective views of yet another exemplary wrist-braceembodiment having an advantageous lacing configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present wrist braces with improved lacing are described herein withreference to the accompanying drawings, which depict exemplarywrist-brace embodiments that should not be construed as limiting thescope of the invention. Rather, the exemplary wrist-brace embodimentsare provided so this disclosure will be thorough and complete to conveyto those having ordinary skill in the art the scope of the invention. Inthe accompanying drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.

As described herein, the terms “interior surface” and “inner surface”refer to a planar side closest to the patient's hand, and the terms“exterior surface” and “outer surface” refer to a planar side farthestfrom the patient's hand (i.e., an outer surface is opposite an innersurface).

The term “section” refers in context to a portion or an area of thewrist-brace sleeve. The term “dorsal” refers to the topside of the wristbrace or hand. The term “palmar” refers to the underside of the wristbrace or hand (i.e., the palm). The term “radius” refers to the innerside of the wrist brace, hand, and/or wrist (i.e., the thumb side of theforearm). The term “ulnar” refers to the outer side of the wrist brace,hand, and/or wrist (i.e., the side of the forearm opposite the thumb).The term “proximal” refers to the part of the wrist brace or hand thatis closer to the patient's elbow, and the term “distal” refers to thepart of the wrist brace or hand farther from the patient's elbow.

The terms “positioned” or “positioning” are used conventionally toembrace one element being fixed or releasably secured to anotherelement. For example, a first element may be positioned against a secondelement (or positioned between second and third elements) by sewing, byhook-and-loop fasteners, or by other known mechanisms for physicallyattaching physical elements to each other. The terms “fixed,” “affixed,”and “secured” may include sewn, made integral with, adhered withadhesive, or bonded (e.g., fused with heat).

The terms “freely threaded” and “freely interlaced” are used herein inaccordance with the wrist-brace embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1-12 torefer to a lace that is moveably connected to a lace-redirectionmechanism, such as an eyelet, rather than fixedly attached to alace-redirection mechanism. For example, as described herein, a lacethat is “freely threaded” through a closure-tab lace-redirectionmechanism, which is positioned on or otherwise formed through a lacingclosure tab, can facilitate movement of the lacing closure tab along thelace.

FIGS. 1-4 depict an exemplary wrist-brace embodiment sized for apatient. FIGS. 5-6 depict a similar, but longer, exemplary wrist-braceembodiment sized for a patient. Each wrist brace is configured foreither a left forearm, wrist, and hand or a right forearm, wrist, andhand. Those having ordinary skill in the art will understand that aleft-hand orientation is a mirror image of a right-hand orientation.FIGS. 1-6 illustrate a right-hand orientation. Appendix I includesphotographs of an exemplary prototype of the wrist brace depicted inFIGS. 1-4, and Appendix II includes photographs of an exemplaryprototype of the longer wrist brace depicted in FIGS. 5-6. Thedescription of the shorter wrist-brace embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-4typically applies to the longer wrist-brace embodiment depicted in FIGS.5-6, except as noted in the supporting description, figures, andphotographs.

With reference to the exemplary wrist brace 10 depicted in FIGS. 1-4(and, as noted, the related, longer exemplary wrist brace 10′ depictedin FIGS. 5-6), the wrist brace 10 includes a closed wrist-brace sleeve12 defining an interior surface and an exterior surface. The closedwrist-brace sleeve 12 is formed by a stretchable radius panel 14connected to a U-shaped support sleeve 20, which might also beconsidered a C-shaped support sleeve.

The U-shaped support sleeve 20 includes a topside dorsal section 22, anulnar section 24, and an underside palmar section 26. The ulnar section24 is contiguously positioned between the dorsal section 22 and thepalmar section 26 to define the U-shaped support sleeve 20. The topsidedorsal section 22 is positioned opposite the underside palmar section26, and the ulnar section 24 is positioned opposite the stretchableradius panel 14. Typically, the U-shaped support sleeve 20, which opensto a patient's forearm radius, is substantially inelastic (e.g., formedfrom flexible, low-stretch material) to help stabilize the patient'swrist and hand.

As used herein, the term “elastic” generally refers to material that canbe readily stretched or expanded, and then can return to its initialshape (i.e., elastic materials resist deformation by stretching), andthe term “inelastic” generally refers to material that resistsstretching and elongation. The U-shaped support sleeve 20 may beconstructed of lightweight suede-like polymeric materials or otherlightweight fabrics (e.g., nylon or PVC) having excellent strength anddurability. The interior surface of the U-shaped support sleeve 20 maybe enhanced with nonwoven polymeric materials (e.g., nonwovenpolyolefins), such as felt fabric, to provide cushioning and support.

The stretchable radius panel 14, which may be cushioned for thepatient's comfort, is affixed to both the U-shaped support sleeve'sdorsal section 22 and the U-shaped support sleeve's palmar section 26,thereby closing the gap in the U-shaped support sleeve 20 to form theclosed wrist-brace sleeve 12. In addition, the stretchable radius panel14 is typically positioned within the gap in the U-shaped support sleeve20 to define both an outer dorsal strip 23 and an outer palmar strip 27.More specifically, the outer dorsal strip 23 is defined by thestretchable radius panel 14 and an adjacent outer edge of the U-shapedsupport sleeve 20, and the outer palmar strip 27 is defined by thestretchable radius panel 14 and an adjacent outer edge of the U-shapedsupport sleeve 20.

An oblique palmar-tensioning strap 16 extends from the distal end of theU-shaped support sleeve's palmar section 26. The obliquepalmar-tensioning strap 16 is positioned between the patient's thumb andforefinger (i.e., near the thenar space) and then securely andreleasably affixed to the U-shaped support sleeve's dorsal section 22(e.g., via hook-and-loop fasteners, such as VELCRO-brand fasteners). Theoblique palmar-tensioning strap 16 helps to position and secure thewrist brace 10 to the patient's wrist and forearm. An optional palmarpad 18, which is positioned at the transition between the U-shapedsupport sleeve's palmar section 26 and the oblique palmar-tensioningstrap 16, provides the patient with enhanced comfort and support.

The U-shaped support sleeve 20 can include stabilizing members to limitflexion and extension. In the exemplary wrist-brace embodiments depictedin FIGS. 1-4 and FIG. 5-6, a longitudinal stiffening dorsal stay 28 isinternally secured within the U-shaped support sleeve's dorsal section22, and a longitudinal stiffening palmar stay 29 is internally securedwithin the U-shaped support sleeve's palmar section 26. As shown inFIGS. 2-3, the palmar stay 29 conforms to the shape of the patient'sforearm, wrist, and palm. In addition, a longitudinal ulnar stay (notshown) can be internally secured within the U-shaped support sleeve'sulnar section 24. Including stays on two or more sides of the wristbrace (e.g., a wrist brace having a dorsal stay, a palmar stay, and anulnar stay) protects against impact forces and helps reduce thelikelihood of reinjuring the patient's wrist and hand.

The stabilizing members (i.e., stays) may be formed from metals, alloys,plastics, or other materials providing sufficient rigidity to resistmovement and retain a desired shape while maintaining adequateadjustability for wear on the forearm, wrist, and hand. Typically, thestabilizing members are made of aluminum. In some embodiments, thestabilizing members can be manually adjusted to conform to the shape ofthe patient's forearm, wrist, and/or palm. Adjustable stabilizingmembers are sufficiently rigid to resist movement of the U-shapedsupport sleeve's distal end relative to the U-shaped support sleeve'sproximal end and are sufficiently strong to provide protection againstforces acting against the wrist brace (e.g., impact forces). Thestabilizing members (i.e., stays) may be permanently secured within thewrist brace (e.g., an internally secured, permanent stay) or may bepositioned within pockets formed in the U-shaped support sleeve tofacilitate placement and removal of the stays (e.g., an internallysecured, removable stay). Alternatively, the stabilizing members mightbe externally secured to the U-shaped support sleeve.

Dorsal eyelets 33 (or similar openings, such as reinforced holes and/orslots, or other dorsal lace-redirection mechanisms, such as loops,hooks, folded webbing, and/or buckles) are formed through or otherwisepositioned at or near (e.g., positioned upon) the U-shaped supportsleeve's dorsal section 22 (e.g., at the outer dorsal strip 23).Similarly, palmar eyelets 37 (or similar openings, such as reinforcedholes and/or slots, or other palmar lace-redirection mechanisms, such asloops, hooks, folded webbing, and/or buckles) are formed through orotherwise positioned at or near (e.g., positioned upon) the U-shapedsupport sleeve's palmar section 26 (e.g., at the outer palmar strip 27).The shorter exemplary wrist brace 10 depicted in FIGS. 1-4 includes fourdorsal eyelets 33 a, 33 c, 33 f, 33 h and two palmar eyelets 37 d, 37 e(i.e., imbalanced eyelets on either side of the U-shaped support sleeve20). The longer exemplary wrist brace 10′ depicted in FIGS. 5-6 includessix dorsal eyelets 33 a, 33 c, 33 f, 33 h, 33 k, 33 n and four palmareyelets 37 d, 37 e, 37 i, 37 j (i.e., imbalanced eyelets on either sideof the U-shaped support sleeve 20). Those having ordinary skill in theart will understand that exemplary wrist braces according to the presentinvention may employ any lace-redirection mechanisms (e.g., reinforcedopenings, or external loops, hooks, folded webbing, and/or buckles) inaddition to or instead of eyelets.

Moreover, it is within the scope of the present wrist-brace invention toinclude one or more external flaps (not shown) on the exterior of theU-shaped support sleeve to facilitate redirection of a lace. In onewrist-brace embodiment, a dorsal flap having eyelets or otherlace-redirection mechanisms can be positioned upon the U-shaped supportsleeve's dorsal section (e.g., near the stretchable radius panel), andthe lace may be guided through the dorsal flap's lace-redirectionmechanisms (e.g., eyelets) and the palmar eyelets (or otherlace-redirection mechanisms) to promote even closure of the closedwrist-brace sleeve and to achieve cast-like compression on a patient'sforearm, wrist, and hand. In another wrist-brace embodiment, a palmarflap having eyelets or other lace-redirection mechanisms can bepositioned upon the U-shaped support sleeve's palmar section (e.g., nearthe stretchable radius panel), and the lace may be guided through thepalmar flap's lace-redirection mechanisms (e.g., eyelets) and the dorsaleyelets (or other lace-redirection mechanisms) to promote even closureof the closed wrist-brace sleeve and to achieve cast-like compression ona patient's forearm, wrist, and hand. In yet another wrist-braceembodiment, a lace may be guided through both (i) a dorsal flap havingeyelets or other lace-redirection mechanisms and (ii) a palmar flaphaving eyelets or other lace-redirection mechanisms to achieve cast-likecompression on a patient's forearm, wrist, and hand, thereby restrictingflexion, extension, and lateral movement of the wrist joint.

The shorter exemplary wrist brace 10 depicted in FIGS. 1-4 includes alacing closure tab 30 through which one or more closure-tab eyelets 31are formed. The longer exemplary wrist brace 10′ depicted in FIGS. 5-6includes multiple lacing closure tabs 30′ and 30″ through which one ormore closure-tab eyelets 31 are formed. More generally, closure-tabeyelets 31 (or similar openings, such as reinforced holes and/or slots,or other closure-tab lace-redirection mechanisms, such as loops, hooks,folded webbing, and/or buckles) may be formed through or otherwisepositioned at or near (e.g., positioned upon) the lacing closure tab(s)30.

Each lacing closure tab 30 includes a mechanism, such as a hook-and-loopfastener, to releasably secure the lacing closure tab 30 to another partof the wrist brace 10. In the shorter exemplary wrist-brace embodimentdepicted in FIG. 3, two closure-tab eyelets 31 b, 31 g are formedthrough or otherwise positioned upon the lacing closure tab 30. In thelonger exemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted in FIG. 5, oneclosure-tab eyelet 31 b is formed through or otherwise positioned uponthe proximal lacing closure tab 30′ and two closure-tab eyelets 31 g, 31m are formed through or otherwise positioned upon the distal lacingclosure tab 30″. The closure-tab eyelets 31 help to ensure that eachlacing closure tab 30 remains centered on the U-shaped support sleeve 20as the lacing closure tab 30 is pulled over and around the closedwrist-brace sleeve 12.

A lace 40 is freely threaded (or otherwise interlaced) though therespective dorsal eyelets 33, palmar eyelets 37, and closure-tab eyelets31. The lace 40, which typically resists excessive stretching, can movefreely to accommodate the typical non-cylindrical anatomy of a patient'sforearm in which the arm tapers from the elbow to the wrist (e.g., afrustoconical shape). This free movement of the lace 40 facilitatesconsistent tension along the lace 40. This even tension is transferredto the respective dorsal eyelets 33, palmar eyelets 37, and closure-tabeyelets 31 through which the lace 40 is interlaced.

Each lacing closure tab 30 is moveably connected to the lace 40. Whenthe lacing closure tab 30 is not releasably secured to another part ofthe wrist brace (e.g., releasably affixed to the closed wrist-bracesleeve 12), the lacing closure tab 30 can move substantially freelyalong the lace 40. The shorter exemplary wrist brace 10 depicted inFIGS. 1-4 does not fixedly attach the one lace 40 to the lacing closuretab 30, either fully or partially. Similarly, the longer exemplary wristbrace 10′ depicted in FIGS. 5-6 does not fixedly attach the one lace 40to the respective closure tabs 30′ and 30″, either fully or partially.Rather, in these exemplary wrist-brace embodiments, the lace 40 may passsubstantially freely through each of the closure-tab eyelets 31. Asdepicted in FIGS. 1-6, each strand of lace 40 from a dorsal eyelet 33 toa closure tab 30 is freely threaded through a closure-tab eyelet 31.This “free-floating” closure-tab design enables the patient to readilyequilibrate lace tension through the various eyelets (i.e., the dorsaleyelets 33 and palmar eyelets 37) positioned along the length of thewrist brace in a way that applies substantially consistent compressionto the patient's forearm and wrist. The lace 40 and each moveablyattached lacing closure tab 30 wrap circumferentially around—rather thanhelically along—the patient's forearm in a way that uniformly closes andtensions the closed wrist-brace sleeve 12.

Typically, one lace 40 has (i) a first end fixed to the U-shaped supportsleeve's interior surface at the U-shaped support sleeve's proximal end(e.g., secured at either the proximal end of the outer palmar strip 27or the proximal end of the outer dorsal strip 23) and (ii) a second endfixed to the U-shaped support sleeve's interior surface at the U-shapedsupport sleeve's distal end (e.g., secured at either the distal end ofthe outer palmar strip 27 or the distal end of the outer dorsal strip23). In this embodiment, either the dorsal eyelets 33 or the palmareyelets 37 are positioned between the lace's first fixed end and thelace's second fixed end.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 in which the ends of lace 40 are fixed tothe outer palmar strip 27, pulling the lacing closure tab 30 away fromthe U-shaped support sleeve's dorsal section 22 (and over and around theU-shaped support sleeve's palmar section 26) uniformly closes andtensions the closed wrist-brace sleeve 12 by drawing together theU-shaped support sleeve's dorsal section 22 and the U-shaped supportsleeve's palmar section 26. Similarly, in an alternative wrist-braceembodiment (not shown) in which the ends of lace 40 are fixed to theouter dorsal strip 27, pulling the lacing closure tab away from theU-shaped support sleeve's palmar section 26 (and over and around theU-shaped support sleeve's dorsal section 22) uniformly closes andtensions the closed wrist-brace sleeve 12 by drawing together theU-shaped support sleeve's palmar section 26 and the U-shaped supportsleeve's dorsal section 22. These same considerations apply towrist-brace embodiments that include multiple lacing closure tabs, suchas the proximal lacing closure tab 30′ and the distal lacing closure tab30″ illustrated in FIGS. 5-6.

In the shorter exemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, asingle lace 40 has (i) a first proximal end fixed to the U-shapedsupport sleeve's interior surface nearer the U-shaped support sleeve'sproximal end (i.e., a proximal fixation 41 p toward the proximal end ofthe outer palmar strip 27) and (ii) a second distal end fixed to theU-shaped support sleeve's interior surface nearer the U-shaped supportsleeve's distal end (i.e., a distal fixation 41 d toward the distal endof the outer palmar strip 27). In the exemplary wrist-brace embodimentdepicted in FIG. 3, two palmar eyelets 37 d, 37 e are formed along outerpalmar strip 27 between the lace's proximal fixation 41 p and the lace'sdistal fixation 41 d, and four dorsal eyelets 33 a, 33 c, 33 f, 37 h areformed along the outer dorsal strip 23.

As illustrated in the exemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted in FIG.3, the wrist brace 10 includes a compression-enhancing lacingconfiguration that readily equilibrates (e.g., simultaneously evens) thetension in the lace 40 as the lacing closure tab 30 is extended from theclosed wrist-brace sleeve 12. From the proximal end of the wrist brace10 to the distal end of the wrist brace 10, the lace 40 passes from itsproximal fixation 41 p to and through an outer proximal dorsal eyelet 33a, to and through a proximal closure-tab eyelet 31 b, to and through aninner proximal dorsal eyelet 33 c, to and through a proximal palmareyelet 37 d. The lace 40 then passes lengthwise along the interiorsurface of the outer palmar strip 27 from the proximal palmar eyelet 37d to and through a distal palmar eyelet 37 e so that, between theproximal palmar eyelet 37 d and the distal palmar eyelet 37 e, the lace40 is substantially parallel to the adjacent outer edge of the U-shapedsupport sleeve 20. The lace 40 then passes from the distal palmar eyelet37 e to and through an inner distal dorsal eyelet 33 f, to and through adistal closure-tab eyelet 31 g, to and through an outer distal dorsaleyelet 33 h, and to the distal fixation 41 d.

In the longer exemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted in FIG. 5, asingle lace 40 has (i) a first proximal end fixed to the U-shapedsupport sleeve's interior surface nearer the U-shaped support sleeve'sproximal end (i.e., a proximal fixation 41 p toward the proximal end ofthe outer palmar strip 27) and (ii) a second distal end fixed to theU-shaped support sleeve's interior surface nearer the U-shaped supportsleeve's distal end (i.e., a distal fixation 41 d toward the distal endof the outer palmar strip 27). In the exemplary wrist-brace embodimentdepicted in FIG. 5, four palmar eyelets 37 d, 37 e, 37 i, 37 j areformed along outer palmar strip 27 between the lace's proximal fixation41 p and the lace's distal fixation 41 d, and six dorsal eyelets 33 a,33 c, 33 f, 33 h, 33 k, 33 n are formed along the outer dorsal strip 23.

As illustrated in the exemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted in FIG.5, the wrist brace 10′ includes a compression-enhancing lacingconfiguration that readily equilibrates the tension in the lace 40 asthe lacing closure tabs 30′, 30″ are extended from the closedwrist-brace sleeve 12. From the proximal end of the wrist brace 10′ tothe distal end of the wrist brace 10′, the lace 40 passes from itsproximal fixation 41 p to and through an outermost proximal dorsaleyelet 33 a, to and through a closure-tab eyelet 31 b formed in theproximal lacing closure tab 30′, to and through a central proximaldorsal eyelet 33 c, to and through an outer proximal palmar eyelet 37 d.The lace 40 then passes lengthwise along the interior surface of theouter palmar strip 27 from the outer proximal palmar eyelet 37 d to andthrough an inner proximal palmar eyelet 37 e so that, between the outerproximal palmar eyelet 37 d and the inner proximal palmar eyelet 37 e,the lace 40 is substantially parallel to the adjacent outer edge of theU-shaped support sleeve 20. The lace 40 then passes from the innerproximal palmar eyelet 37 e to and through an inner proximal dorsaleyelet 33 f, to and through a first distal closure-tab eyelet 31 gformed in the distal lacing closure tab 30″, to and through an innerdistal dorsal eyelet 33 h, to and through an inner distal palmar eyelet37 i. The lace 40 then passes lengthwise along the interior surface ofthe outer palmar strip 27 from the inner distal palmar eyelet 37 i toand through an outer distal palmar eyelet 37 j so that, between theinner distal palmar eyelet 37 i and the outer distal palmar eyelet 37 j,the lace 40 is substantially parallel to the adjacent outer edge of theU-shaped support sleeve 20. The lace 40 then passes from the outerdistal palmar eyelet 37 j to and through a central distal dorsal eyelet33 k, to and through a second distal closure-tab eyelet 31 m formed inthe distal lacing closure tab 30″, to and through an outermost distaldorsal eyelet 33 n, and to the distal fixation 41 d.

Optionally, the lace 40 passes through one or more lacing channels 42,which may be secured to or otherwise formed in the stretchable radiuspanel 14. In the shorter exemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted inFIG. 3, the lace 40 passes through one lacing channel 42 secured to thestretchable radius panel 14 as the lace 40 passes from the outer distaldorsal eyelet 33 h to the distal fixation 41 d. In the longer exemplarywrist-brace embodiment depicted in FIG. 5, the lace 40 passes throughone lacing channel 42 secured to the stretchable radius panel 14 as thelace 40 passes from the outermost distal dorsal eyelet 33 n to thedistal fixation 41 d. As will be appreciated by those having ordinaryskill in the art, each lacing channel 42 should be positioned tofacilitate passage of the lace 40 between the outer palmar strip 27 andthe outer dorsal strip 23. For example, positioning lacing channel(s) 42at either the distal end or the proximal end of the stretchable radiuspanel 14, or both the distal end and the proximal end of the stretchableradius panel 14, helps to maintain the proper positioning of stretchableradius panel 14 against the patient's forearm as shown in FIG. 2. Inpractice, securing the lace 40 to the stretchable radius panel 14 viaone or more lacing channels 42, typically at the distal end and/orproximal end of a cushioned, stretchable radius panel 14, reducespatient discomfort by preventing the lace 40 from migrating beyond theend of the stretchable radius panel 14 when the wrist brace 10 iscompressively and securely applied to the patient's wrist and forearm.

As illustrated in the exemplary wrist-brace embodiments depicted inFIGS. 1-4 and FIGS. 5-6, hook-and-loop fasteners 45 are secured to thesurfaces of the wrist brace 10 to facilitate closure of the wrist brace10 to the patient's forearm, wrist, and hand. For example,loop-fasteners 46 (e.g., loop-fastener strips) can be secured to theouter surfaces of the U-shaped support sleeve 20, typically at thetopside dorsal section 22, the ulnar section 24, and the undersidepalmar section 26. Hook-fasteners 47 are provided elsewhere on the wristbrace 10, such as on a surface of each lacing closure tab 30 and asurface at the end of the oblique palmar-tensioning strap 16.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 and FIGS. 5-6, the patient may secure thewrist brace 10 to his forearm, wrist, and hand by pulling a lacingclosure tab 30 perpendicularly away from the U-shaped support sleeve'sdorsal section 22 and over and around the U-shaped support sleeve'spalmar section 26. This evenly closes and tensions the closedwrist-brace sleeve 12 by drawing together the U-shaped support sleeve'sdorsal section 22 and the U-shaped support sleeve's palmar section 26.Depending on the girth of the patient's forearm, the hook-fasteners 47on a surface of the lacing closure tab 30 will engage one or moreloop-fasteners 46 positioned upon the respective outer surfaces of thedorsal section 22, the ulnar section 24, and the palmar section 26. Thehook-fastener 47 at the end of the oblique palmar-tensioning strap 16can be releasably secured to the U-shaped support sleeve's dorsalsection 22.

FIGS. 7-10 depict another exemplary wrist-brace embodiment sized for apatient. FIGS. 11-12 depict a similar, but longer, exemplary wrist-braceembodiment sized for a patient. Each of these wrist braces includes moresubstantial thumb support as compared with the wrist-brace embodimentsdepicted in FIGS. 1-6. As with the wrist-brace embodiments depicted inFIGS. 1-6, the wrist brace embodiments depicted in FIGS. 7-12 areconfigured for either a left forearm, wrist, and hand or a rightforearm, wrist, and hand. Those having ordinary skill in the art willunderstand that a left-hand orientation is a mirror image of aright-hand orientation. FIGS. 7-12 illustrate a right-hand orientation.Appendix III includes photographs of an exemplary prototype of the wristbrace depicted in FIGS. 7-10, and Appendix IV includes photographs of anexemplary prototype of the longer wrist brace depicted in FIGS. 11-12.

The description of the shorter wrist-brace embodiment depicted in FIGS.7-10 typically applies to the longer wrist-brace embodiment depicted inFIGS. 11-12, except as noted in the supporting description, figures, andphotographs.

With reference to the exemplary wrist brace 110 depicted in FIGS. 7-10(and, as noted, the related, longer exemplary wrist brace 110′ depictedin FIGS. 11-12), the wrist brace 110 includes a closed wrist-bracesleeve 112 defining an interior surface and an exterior surface. Theclosed wrist-brace sleeve 112 is formed by a stretchable ulnar panel 124connected to a U-shaped support sleeve 120.

The U-shaped support sleeve 120 includes a topside dorsal section 122, aradius section 114, and an underside palmar section 126. The radiussection 114, which is designed to extend to the base of a patient'sthumb, is contiguously positioned between the dorsal section 122 and thepalmar section 126 to define the U-shaped support sleeve 120. Thetopside dorsal section 122 is positioned opposite the underside palmarsection 126, and the radius section 114 is positioned opposite thestretchable ulnar panel 124. Typically, the U-shaped support sleeve 120,which opens to a patient's forearm ulna, is substantially inelastic(e.g., formed from flexible, low-stretch material) to help stabilize thepatient's wrist and hand.

The stretchable ulnar panel 124, which may be cushioned for thepatient's comfort, is affixed to both the U-shaped support sleeve'sdorsal section 122 and the U-shaped support sleeve's palmar section 126,thereby closing the gap in the U-shaped support sleeve 120 to form theclosed wrist-brace sleeve 112. In addition, the stretchable ulnar panel124 is typically positioned within the gap in the U-shaped supportsleeve 120 to define both an outer dorsal strip 123 and an outer palmarstrip 127. More specifically, the outer dorsal strip 123 is defined bythe stretchable ulnar panel 124 and an adjacent outer edge of theU-shaped support sleeve 120, and the outer palmar strip 127 is definedby the stretchable ulnar panel 124 and an adjacent outer edge of theU-shaped support sleeve 120.

A thumb-tensioning strap 117 extends from the distal end of the U-shapedsupport sleeve's radius section 114. The thumb-tensioning strap 117 ispositioned between the patient's thumb and forefinger, wrapped aroundthe patient's thumb, and then securely and releasably affixed to theU-shaped support sleeve's radius section 114 (e.g., via hook-and-loopfasteners, such as VELCRO-brand fasteners). The thumb-tensioning strap117 not only helps to position and secure the wrist brace 110 to thepatient's wrist and forearm, but also helps to position and secure thesupport sleeve's radius section 114 against the base of the patient'sthumb. Optional padding 118, which is positioned near thethumb-tensioning strap 117, such as upon the U-shaped support sleeve'spalmar section 126 and/or the U-shaped support sleeve's radius section114, provides the patient with enhanced comfort and support. Moregenerally, padding may be applied to the interior surfaces of the closedwrist-brace sleeve 112 to help engage the patient's wrist and hand andto improve patient comfort.

The U-shaped support sleeve 120 can include stabilizing members to limitflexion and extension. In the exemplary wrist-brace embodiments depictedin FIGS. 7-10 and FIG. 11-12, a longitudinal stiffening dorsal stay 128is internally secured within the U-shaped support sleeve's dorsalsection 122, a longitudinal stiffening radius stay 115 is internallysecured within the U-shaped support sleeve's radius section 114, and alongitudinal stiffening palmar stay 129 is internally secured within theU-shaped support sleeve's palmar section 126. As shown in FIGS. 7-8, theradius stay 115 conforms to the shape of the patient's forearm, wrist,and thumb. As shown in FIG. 7, the palmar stay 129 conforms to the shapeof the patient's forearm, wrist, and palm. Including stays on two ormore sides of the wrist brace (e.g., a wrist brace having a dorsal stay,a radius stay, and a palmar stay,) protects against impact forces andhelps reduce the likelihood of reinjuring the patient's wrist and hand.

Dorsal eyelets 133 (or similar openings, such as reinforced holes and/orslots, or other dorsal lace-redirection mechanisms, such as loops,hooks, folded webbing, and/or buckles) are formed through or otherwisepositioned at or near (e.g., positioned upon) the U-shaped supportsleeve's dorsal section 122 (e.g., at the outer dorsal strip 123).Similarly, palmar eyelets 137 (or similar openings, such as reinforcedholes and/or slots, or other palmar lace-redirection mechanisms, such asloops, hooks, folded webbing, and/or buckles) are formed through orotherwise positioned at or near (e.g., positioned upon) the U-shapedsupport sleeve's palmar section 126 (e.g., at the outer palmar strip127). The shorter exemplary wrist brace 110 depicted in FIGS. 7-10includes four dorsal eyelets 133 a, 133 c, 133 f, 133 h and two palmareyelets 137 d, 137 e (i.e., imbalanced eyelets on either side of theU-shaped support sleeve 120). The longer exemplary wrist brace 110′depicted in FIGS. 11-12 includes six dorsal eyelets 133 a, 133 c, 133 f,133 h, 133 k, 133 n and four palmar eyelets 137 d, 137 e, 137 i, 137 j(i.e., imbalanced eyelets on either side of the U-shaped support sleeve120). Those having ordinary skill in the art will understand thatexemplary wrist braces according to the present invention may employ anylace-redirection mechanisms (e.g., reinforced holes and slots, orexternal loops, hooks, folded webbing, and/or buckles) in addition to orinstead of eyelets.

As noted, it is within the scope of the present wrist-brace invention toinclude one or more external flaps (not shown) on the exterior of theU-shaped support sleeve to facilitate redirection of the lace. In onewrist-brace embodiment, a dorsal flap having eyelets or otherlace-redirection mechanisms can be positioned upon the U-shaped supportsleeve's dorsal section (e.g., near the stretchable ulnar panel), andthe lace may be guided through the dorsal flap's lace-redirectionmechanisms (e.g., eyelets) and the palmar eyelets (or otherlace-redirection mechanisms) to promote even closure of the closedwrist-brace sleeve and to achieve cast-like compression on a patient'sforearm, wrist, and hand. In another wrist-brace embodiment, a palmarflap having eyelets or other lace-redirection mechanisms can bepositioned upon the U-shaped support sleeve's palmar section (e.g., nearthe stretchable ulnar panel), and the lace may be guided through thepalmar flap's lace-redirection mechanisms (e.g., eyelets) and the dorsaleyelets (or other lace-redirection mechanisms) to promote even closureof the closed wrist-brace sleeve and to achieve cast-like compression ona patient's forearm, wrist, and hand. In yet another wrist-braceembodiment, a lace may be guided through both (i) a dorsal flap havingeyelets or other lace-redirection mechanisms and (ii) a palmar flaphaving eyelets or other lace-redirection mechanisms to achieve cast-likecompression on a patient's forearm, wrist, and hand, thereby restrictingflexion, extension, and lateral movement of the wrist joint.

The shorter exemplary wrist brace 110 depicted in FIGS. 7-10 includes alacing closure tab 130 through which one or more closure-tab eyelets 131are formed. The longer exemplary wrist brace 110′ depicted in FIGS.11-12 includes multiple lacing closure tabs 130′ and 130″ through whichone or more closure-tab eyelets 131 are formed. More generally,closure-tab eyelets 131 (or similar openings, such as reinforced holesand/or slots, or other closure-tab lace-redirection mechanisms, such asloops, hooks, folded webbing, and/or buckles) may be formed through orotherwise positioned at or near (e.g., positioned upon) the lacingclosure tab(s) 130.

Each lacing closure tab 130 includes a mechanism, such as ahook-and-loop fastener, to releasably secure the lacing closure tab 130to another part of the wrist brace 110. In the shorter exemplarywrist-brace embodiment depicted in FIG. 9, two closure-tab eyelets 131b, 131 g are formed through or otherwise positioned upon the lacingclosure tab 130. In the longer exemplary wrist-brace embodiment depictedin FIG. 11, one closure-tab eyelet 131 b is formed through or otherwisepositioned upon the proximal lacing closure tab 130′ and two closure-tabeyelets 131 g, 131 m are formed through or otherwise positioned upon thedistal lacing closure tab 130″. The closure-tab eyelets 131 help toensure that each lacing closure tab 130 remains centered on the U-shapedsupport sleeve 120 as the lacing closure tab 130 is pulled over andaround the closed wrist-brace sleeve 112.

A lace 140 is freely threaded (or otherwise interlaced) though therespective dorsal eyelets 133, palmar eyelets 137, and closure-tabeyelets 131. The lace 140 can move freely to accommodate the typicalnon-cylindrical anatomy of a patient's forearm in which the arm tapersfrom the elbow to the wrist (e.g., a frustoconical shape). This freemovement of the lace 140 facilitates consistent tension along the lace140. This even tension is transferred to the respective dorsal eyelets133, palmar eyelets 137, and closure-tab eyelets 131 through which thelace 140 is interlaced.

Each lacing closure tab 130 is moveably connected to the lace 140. Whenthe lacing closure tab 130 is not releasably secured to another part ofthe wrist brace (e.g., releasably affixed to the closed wrist-bracesleeve 112), the lacing closure tab 130 can move substantially freelyalong the lace 140. The shorter exemplary wrist brace 110 depicted inFIGS. 7-10 does not fixedly attach the one lace 140 to the lacingclosure tab 130, either fully or partially. Similarly, the longerexemplary wrist brace 110′ depicted in FIGS. 11-12 does not fixedlyattach the one lace 140 to the respective closure tabs 130′ and 130″,either fully or partially. Rather, in these exemplary wrist-braceembodiments, the lace 140 may pass substantially freely through each ofthe closure-tab eyelets 131. As depicted in FIGS. 7-12, each strand oflace 140 from a dorsal eyelet 133 to a closure tab 130 is freelythreaded through a closure-tab eyelet 131. This “free-floating”closure-tab design enables the patient to readily equilibrate lacetension through the various eyelets (i.e., the dorsal eyelets 133 andpalmar eyelets 137) positioned along the length of the wrist brace in away that applies substantially consistent compression to the patient'sforearm and wrist. The lace 140 and each moveably attached lacingclosure tab 130 wrap circumferentially around—rather than helicallyalong—the patient's forearm in a way that uniformly closes and tensionsthe closed wrist-brace sleeve 112.

Typically, one lace 140 has (i) a first end fixed to the U-shapedsupport sleeve's interior surface at the U-shaped support sleeve'sproximal end (e.g., secured at either the proximal end of the outerpalmar strip 127 or the proximal end of the outer dorsal strip 123) and(ii) a second end fixed to the U-shaped support sleeve's interiorsurface at the U-shaped support sleeve's distal end (e.g., secured ateither the distal end of the outer palmar strip 127 or the distal end ofthe outer dorsal strip 123). In this embodiment, either the dorsaleyelets 133 or the palmar eyelets 137 are positioned between the lace'sfirst fixed end and the lace's second fixed end.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7-10 in which the ends of lace 140 are fixed tothe outer palmar strip 127, pulling the lacing closure tab 130 away fromthe U-shaped support sleeve's dorsal section 122 (and over and aroundthe U-shaped support sleeve's palmar section 126) uniformly closes andtensions the closed wrist-brace sleeve 112 by drawing together theU-shaped support sleeve's dorsal section 122 and the U-shaped supportsleeve's palmar section 126. Similarly, in an alternative wrist-braceembodiment in which the ends of lace 40 are fixed to the outer dorsalstrip 123, pulling the lacing closure tab away from the U-shaped supportsleeve's palmar section 126 (and over and around the U-shaped supportsleeve's dorsal section 122) uniformly closes and tensions the closedwrist-brace sleeve 112 by drawing together the U-shaped support sleeve'spalmar section 126 and the U-shaped support sleeve's dorsal section 122.These same considerations apply to wrist-brace embodiments that includemultiple lacing closure tabs, such as the proximal lacing closure tab130′ and the distal lacing closure tab 130″ illustrated in FIGS. 11-12.

In the shorter exemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted in FIG. 9, asingle lace 140 has (i) a first proximal end fixed to the U-shapedsupport sleeve's interior surface nearer the U-shaped support sleeve'sproximal end (i.e., a proximal fixation 141 p toward the proximal end ofthe outer palmar strip 127) and (ii) a second distal end fixed to theU-shaped support sleeve's interior surface nearer the U-shaped supportsleeve's distal end (i.e., a distal fixation 141 d toward the distal endof the outer palmar strip 127). In the exemplary wrist-brace embodimentdepicted in FIG. 9, two palmar eyelets 137 d, 137 e are formed alongouter palmar strip 127 between the lace's proximal fixation 141 p andthe lace's distal fixation 141 d, and four dorsal eyelets 133 a, 133 c,133 f, 137 h are formed along the outer dorsal strip 123.

As illustrated in the exemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted in FIG.9, the wrist brace 110 includes a compression-enhancing lacingconfiguration that readily equilibrates (e.g., simultaneously evens) thetension in the lace 140 as the lacing closure tab 130 is extended fromthe closed wrist-brace sleeve 112. From the proximal end of the wristbrace 110 to the distal end of the wrist brace 110, the lace 140 passesfrom its proximal fixation 141 p to and through an outer proximal dorsaleyelet 133 a, to and through a proximal closure-tab eyelet 131 b, to andthrough an inner proximal dorsal eyelet 133 c, to and through a proximalpalmar eyelet 137 d. The lace 140 then passes lengthwise along theinterior surface of the outer palmar strip 127 from the proximal palmareyelet 137 d to and through a distal palmar eyelet 137 e so that,between the proximal palmar eyelet 137 d and the distal palmar eyelet137 e, the lace 140 is substantially parallel to the adjacent outer edgeof the U-shaped support sleeve 120. The lace 140 then passes from thedistal palmar eyelet 137 e to and through an inner distal dorsal eyelet133 f, to and through a distal closure-tab eyelet 131 g, to and throughan outer distal dorsal eyelet 133 h, and to the distal fixation 141 d.

In the longer exemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted in FIG. 11, asingle lace 140 has (i) a first proximal end fixed to the U-shapedsupport sleeve's interior surface nearer the U-shaped support sleeve'sproximal end (i.e., a proximal fixation 141 p toward the proximal end ofthe outer palmar strip 127) and (ii) a second distal end fixed to theU-shaped support sleeve's interior surface nearer the U-shaped supportsleeve's distal end (i.e., a distal fixation 141 d toward the distal endof the outer palmar strip 127). In the exemplary wrist-brace embodimentdepicted in FIG. 11, four palmar eyelets 137 d, 137 e, 137 i, 137 j areformed along outer palmar strip 127 between the lace's proximal fixation141 p and the lace's distal fixation 141 d, and six dorsal eyelets 133a, 133 c, 133 f, 133 h, 133 k, 133 n are formed along the outer dorsalstrip 123.

As illustrated in the exemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted in FIG.11, the wrist brace 110′ includes a compression-enhancing lacingconfiguration that readily equilibrates the tension in the lace 140 asthe lacing closure tabs 130′, 130″ are extended from the closedwrist-brace sleeve 112. From the proximal end of the wrist brace 110′ tothe distal end of the wrist brace 110′, the lace 140 passes from itsproximal fixation 141 p to and through an outermost proximal dorsaleyelet 133 a, to and through a closure-tab eyelet 131 b formed in theproximal lacing closure tab 130′, to and through a central proximaldorsal eyelet 133 c, to and through an outer proximal palmar eyelet 137d. The lace 140 then passes lengthwise along the interior surface of theouter palmar strip 127 from the outer proximal palmar eyelet 137 d toand through an inner proximal palmar eyelet 137 e so that, between theouter proximal palmar eyelet 137 d and the inner proximal palmar eyelet137 e, the lace 140 is substantially parallel to the adjacent outer edgeof the U-shaped support sleeve 120. The lace 140 then passes from theinner proximal palmar eyelet 137 e to and through an inner proximaldorsal eyelet 133 f, to and through a first distal closure-tab eyelet131 g formed in the distal lacing closure tab 130″, to and through aninner distal dorsal eyelet 133 h, to and through an inner distal palmareyelet 137 i. The lace 140 then passes lengthwise along the interiorsurface of the outer palmar strip 127 from the inner distal palmareyelet 137 i to and through an outer distal palmar eyelet 137 j so that,between the inner distal palmar eyelet 137 i and the outer distal palmareyelet 137 j, the lace 140 is substantially parallel to the adjacentouter edge of the U-shaped support sleeve 120. The lace 140 then passesfrom the outer distal palmar eyelet 137 j to and through a centraldistal dorsal eyelet 133 k, to and through a second distal closure-tabeyelet 131 m formed in the distal lacing closure tab 130″, to andthrough an outermost distal dorsal eyelet 133 n, and to the distalfixation 141 d.

Optionally, the lace 140 passes through one or more lacing channels 142,which may be secured to or otherwise formed in the stretchable ulnarpanel 124. In the shorter exemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted inFIG. 9, the lace 140 passes through one lacing channel 142 secured tothe stretchable ulnar panel 124 as the lace 140 passes from the outerdistal dorsal eyelet 133 h to the distal fixation 141 d. In the longerexemplary wrist-brace embodiment depicted in FIG. 11, the lace 140passes through one lacing channel 142 secured to the stretchable ulnarpanel 124 as the lace 140 passes from the outermost distal dorsal eyelet133 n to the distal fixation 141 d. As will be appreciated by thosehaving ordinary skill in the art, each lacing channel 142 should bepositioned to facilitate passage of the lace 140 between the outerpalmar strip 127 and the outer dorsal strip 123. For example,positioning lacing channel(s) 142 at either the distal end or theproximal end of the stretchable ulnar panel 124, or both the distal endand the proximal end of the stretchable ulnar panel 124, helps tomaintain the proper positioning of stretchable ulnar panel 124 againstthe patient's forearm as shown in FIG. 8. In practice, securing the lace140 to the stretchable ulnar panel 124 via one or more lacing channels142, typically at the distal end and/or proximal end of a cushioned,stretchable ulnar panel 124, reduces patient discomfort by preventingthe lace 140 from migrating beyond the end of the stretchable ulnarpanel 124 when the wrist brace 110 is compressively and securely appliedto the patient's wrist and forearm.

As illustrated in the exemplary wrist-brace embodiments depicted inFIGS. 7-10 and FIGS. 11-12, hook-and-loop fasteners 145 are secured tothe surfaces of the wrist brace 110 to facilitate closure of the wristbrace 110 to the patient's forearm, wrist, and hand. For example,loop-fasteners 146 (e.g., loop-fastener strips) can be secured to theouter surfaces of the U-shaped support sleeve 120, typically at thetopside dorsal section 122, the radius section 114, and the undersidepalmar section 126. Hook-fasteners 147 are provided elsewhere on thewrist brace 110, such as on a surface of each lacing closure tab 130 anda surface at the end of the thumb-tensioning strap 117.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7-10 and FIGS. 11-12, the patient may secure thewrist brace 110 to his forearm, wrist, and hand by pulling a lacingclosure tab 130 perpendicularly away from the U-shaped support sleeve'sdorsal section 122 and over and around the U-shaped support sleeve'spalmar section 126. This evenly closes and tensions the closedwrist-brace sleeve 112 by drawing together the U-shaped support sleeve'sdorsal section 122 and the U-shaped support sleeve's palmar section 126.Depending on the girth of the patient's forearm, the hook-fasteners 147on a surface of the lacing closure tab 130 will engage one or moreloop-fasteners 146 positioned upon the respective outer surfaces of thedorsal section 122, the radius section 114, and the palmar section 126.The hook-fastener 147 at the end of the thumb-tensioning strap 117 canbe releasably secured to either the U-shaped support sleeve's radiussection 114 or U-shaped support sleeve's palmar section 126.

To supplement the present disclosure, this application incorporatesentirely by reference the following commonly assigned patentapplications: U.S. Patent Application No. 62/257,941 for a UniversalWrist Brace with Enhanced Lacing (filed Nov. 20, 2015); U.S. PatentApplication No. 62/400,382 for a Universal Wrist Brace with EnhancedLacing (filed Sep. 27, 2016); and U.S. patent application Ser. No.______ for a Universal Wrist Brace with Enhanced Lacing (concurrentlyfiled Nov. 18, 2016).

In the specification and/or figures, typical embodiments of thewrist-brace invention have been disclosed. The present wrist-braceinvention is not limited to such exemplary embodiments. The use of theterm “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of theassociated listed items. The figures are schematic representations andso are not necessarily drawn to scale. Unless otherwise noted, specificterms have been used in a generic and descriptive sense and not forpurposes of limitation.

1. A wrist brace, comprising: a U-shaped support sleeve having a dorsalsection, an ulnar section, and a palmar section, wherein the ulnarsection is contiguously positioned between the dorsal section and thepalmar section; a radius panel connecting the U-shaped support sleeve'sdorsal section and the U-shaped support sleeve's palmar section, theradius panel being affixed to the U-shaped support sleeve such thattogether the U-shaped support sleeve and radius panel form a closedwrist-brace sleeve; dorsal lace-redirection mechanisms positioned at ornear the U-shaped support sleeve's dorsal section; palmarlace-redirection mechanisms positioned at or near the U-shaped supportsleeve's palmar section; a lacing closure tab having one or moreclosure-tab lace-redirection mechanisms; and a lace having (i) a firstend fixed to the U-shaped support sleeve nearer the U-shaped supportsleeve's proximal end and (ii) a second end fixed to the U-shapedsupport sleeve nearer the U-shaped support sleeve's distal end, whereinthe lace is freely threaded though the respective dorsallace-redirection mechanisms, palmar lace-redirection mechanisms, andclosure-tab lace-redirection mechanisms.
 2. The wrist brace according toclaim 1, comprising an oblique palmar-tensioning strap that extends fromthe distal end of the U-shaped support sleeve's palmar section, whereinthe oblique palmar-tensioning strap is positioned between a patient'sthumb and forefinger and is releasably affixed to the U-shaped supportsleeve when the wrist brace is secured to the patient's wrist andforearm.
 3. The wrist brace according to claim 1, wherein: the lacingclosure tab having one or more closure-tab lace-redirection mechanismsis a first lacing closure tab having one or more first closure-tablace-redirection mechanisms; the wrist brace comprises a second lacingclosure tab having one or more second closure-tab lace-redirectionmechanisms; and the lace is freely threaded though the respective dorsallace-redirection mechanisms, palmar lace-redirection mechanisms, firstclosure-tab lace-redirection mechanisms, and second closure-tablace-redirection mechanisms.
 4. The wrist brace according to claim 1,wherein either the dorsal lace-redirection mechanisms or the palmarlace-redirection mechanisms are positioned between the lace's first endand the lace's second end.
 5. The wrist brace according to claim 1,wherein the lace has (i) its first end fixed to the U-shaped supportsleeve near the proximal end of the palmar section and (ii) its secondend fixed to the U-shaped support sleeve near the distal end of thepalmar section, and wherein the palmar lace-redirection mechanisms arepositioned between the lace's first end and the lace's second end. 6.The wrist brace according to claim 1, wherein the lace has (i) its firstend fixed to the U-shaped support sleeve near the proximal end of thedorsal section and (ii) its second end fixed to the U-shaped supportsleeve near the distal end of the dorsal section, and wherein the dorsallace-redirection mechanisms are positioned between the lace's first endand the lace's second end.
 7. The wrist brace according to claim 1,wherein: the dorsal lace-redirection mechanisms comprise dorsal eyeletspositioned on the U-shaped support sleeve's dorsal section in an outerdorsal strip that is defined by the radius panel and an adjacent outeredge of the U-shaped support sleeve; and/or the palmar lace-redirectionmechanisms comprise palmar eyelets positioned on the U-shaped supportsleeve's palmar section in an outer palmar strip that is defined by theradius panel and an adjacent outer edge of the U-shaped support sleeve;and/or the closure-tab lace-redirection mechanisms comprise closure-tabeyelets positioned on the lacing closure tab.
 8. The wrist braceaccording to claim 1, comprising: a stiffening dorsal stay secured atthe U-shaped support sleeve's dorsal section, the dorsal stay conformingto the shape of a patient's forearm, wrist, and hand; and/or astiffening palmar stay secured at the U-shaped support sleeve's palmarsection, the palmar stay conforming to the shape of a patient's forearm,wrist, and palm.
 9. The wrist brace according to claim 1, comprising alacing channel secured to the radius panel, wherein the lace is freelythreaded through the lacing channel.
 10. The wrist brace according toclaim 1, wherein the lacing closure tab is releasably affixed to theU-shaped support sleeve when the wrist brace is secured to a patient'swrist and forearm.
 11. A wrist brace, comprising: a U-shaped supportsleeve having a dorsal section, a radius section, and a palmar section,wherein the radius section is contiguously positioned between the dorsalsection and the palmar section; a ulnar panel connecting the U-shapedsupport sleeve's dorsal section and the U-shaped support sleeve's palmarsection, the ulnar panel being affixed to the U-shaped support sleevesuch that together the U-shaped support sleeve and ulnar panel form aclosed wrist-brace sleeve; dorsal lace-redirection mechanisms positionedat or near the U-shaped support sleeve's dorsal section; palmarlace-redirection mechanisms positioned at or near the U-shaped supportsleeve's palmar section; a lacing closure tab having one or moreclosure-tab lace-redirection mechanisms; and a lace having (i) a firstend fixed to the U-shaped support sleeve nearer the U-shaped supportsleeve's proximal end and (ii) a second end fixed to the U-shapedsupport sleeve nearer the U-shaped support sleeve's distal end, whereinthe lace is freely threaded though the respective dorsallace-redirection mechanisms, palmar lace-redirection mechanisms, andclosure-tab lace-redirection mechanisms.
 12. The wrist brace accordingto claim 11, comprising a thumb-tensioning strap that extends from thedistal end of the U-shaped support sleeve's radius section, wherein thethumb-tensioning strap is positioned between a patient's thumb andforefinger, wrapped around the patient's thumb, and then securely andreleasably affixed to the U-shaped support sleeve when the wrist braceis secured to the patient's wrist and forearm.
 13. The wrist braceaccording to claim 11, wherein: the lacing closure tab having one ormore closure-tab lace-redirection mechanisms is a first lacing closuretab having one or more first closure-tab lace-redirection mechanisms;the wrist brace comprises a second lacing closure tab having one or moresecond closure-tab lace-redirection mechanisms; and the lace is freelythreaded though the respective dorsal lace-redirection mechanisms,palmar lace-redirection mechanisms, first closure-tab lace-redirectionmechanisms, and second closure-tab lace-redirection mechanisms.
 14. Thewrist brace according to claim 11, wherein either the dorsallace-redirection mechanisms or the palmar lace-redirection mechanismsare positioned between the lace's first end and the lace's second end.15. The wrist brace according to claim 11, wherein the lace has (i) itsfirst end fixed to the U-shaped support sleeve near the proximal end ofthe palmar section and (ii) its second end fixed to the U-shaped supportsleeve near the distal end of the palmar section, and wherein the palmarlace-redirection mechanisms are positioned between the lace's first endand the lace's second end.
 16. The wrist brace according to claim 11,wherein the lace has (i) its first end fixed to the U-shaped supportsleeve near the proximal end of the dorsal section and (ii) its secondend fixed to the U-shaped support sleeve near the distal end of thedorsal section, and wherein the dorsal lace-redirection mechanisms arepositioned between the lace's first end and the lace's second end. 17.The wrist brace according to claim 11, wherein: the dorsallace-redirection mechanisms comprise dorsal eyelets positioned on theU-shaped support sleeve's dorsal section in an outer dorsal strip thatis defined by the ulnar panel and an adjacent outer edge of the U-shapedsupport sleeve; and/or the palmar lace-redirection mechanisms comprisepalmar eyelets positioned on the U-shaped support sleeve's palmarsection in an outer palmar strip that is defined by the ulnar panel andan adjacent outer edge of the U-shaped support sleeve; and/or theclosure-tab lace-redirection mechanisms comprise closure-tab eyeletspositioned on the lacing closure tab.
 18. The wrist brace according toclaim 11, comprising: a stiffening dorsal stay secured at the U-shapedsupport sleeve's dorsal section, the dorsal stay conforming to the shapeof a patient's forearm, wrist, and hand; and/or a stiffening palmar staysecured at the U-shaped support sleeve's palmar section, the palmar stayconforming to the shape of a patient's forearm, wrist, and palm.
 19. Thewrist brace according to claim 11, comprising a lacing channel securedto the ulnar panel, wherein the lace is freely threaded through thelacing channel.
 20. The wrist brace according to claim 11, wherein thelacing closure tab is releasably affixed to the U-shaped support sleevewhen the wrist brace is secured to a patient's wrist and forearm.
 21. Awrist brace for immobilizing and protecting a wrist, comprising: awrist-brace sleeve; a tensioning strap that extends from the distal endof the wrist-brace sleeve, wherein the tensioning strap is configuredfor positioning between a patient's thumb and forefinger and forreleasable fixation to the wrist-brace sleeve when the wrist brace issecured to the patient's wrist and forearm; and a lace moveablyconnecting the wrist-brace sleeve and a lacing closure tab, wherein atleast part of the lace is freely attached to the wrist-brace sleeve anda lacing closure tab so that (i) pulling the lacing closure tab and theattached lace away from the patient's forearm and then (ii) wrapping thelacing closure tab and the attached lace around the wrist-brace sleeveprovides a consistent, cast-like compression of the wrist brace to thepatient's forearm and wrist.
 22. The wrist brace according to claim 21,wherein exactly one lace moveably connects the wrist-brace sleeve andthe lacing closure tab.
 23. The wrist brace according to claim 21, wherethe lace has (i) a first end fixed to the wrist-brace sleeve nearer thewrist-brace sleeve's proximal end and (ii) a second end fixed to thewrist-brace sleeve nearer the wrist-brace sleeve's distal end.